Pacific Palisades & Malibu

Pacific Palisades is a small, affluent community nestled between the Santa Monica Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. Spacious estates and elegant cottages dot the winding slot canyon streets. It has a charming village atmosphere with a small, walkable downtown area. Boutique shops, art galleries, and neighborhood cafes line the main thoroughfare surrounding Sunset Boulevard.

Malibu has elegant oceanfront homes, secluded beaches, and a picturesque coastline. The year-round sunny weather means you’ll always find residents sunbathing on the sand, surfing in the ocean, jogging along the boardwalk, or dining on seafood outdoors. It’s full of celebrity mansions and is one of the most coveted places to live in the world. Famous homeowners have included Halle Berry, Jack Nicholson, Leonardo Dicaprio, Angelina Jolie, Ellen DeGeneres, and Miley Cyrus.

Pacific Palisades is a tight-knit community with longtime residents who know each other. Neighborhood groups include book clubs, a women’s club, hiking groups, and event committees that often get together. Malibu residents, on the other hand, tend to value their seclusion and privacy. Many oceanfront homes have their own private beaches.

You’ll find diverse dining options and boutique stores at the Pacific Palisades Village. Porta Via is a modern California bistro and bar with hearty pasta and gourmet burgers. Angelini Ristorante and Bar has classic Italian favorites like lasagna, pesto, and Parmigiano. The Palisades Garden Café serves breakfast and light pastries and has a lunch delivery service. Café Vida has Latin-inspired cuisine and fresh-squeezed juices.

 

Sushi Sasabune Express has creative sushi rolls, sashimi, and rice bowls. The Draycott is popular for brunch with light menu items and mimosas. Caffe Luxxe has artisanal coffee, organic tea, and an espresso bar. You can also head to Gladstones for seafood dishes and oceanside seating.

 

The Bay Theater in Pacific Palisades is a luxury cinema showcasing new releases and classic films.

 

In Malibu, you’ll find bustling and iconic seaside restaurants. Duke’s Malibu has fresh seafood and Hawaiian-inspired dishes, drinks, and décor. Nobu Malibu is a celebrity hotspot. They serve their signature Peruvian-Japanese fusion fare to diners sitting on plush booths overlooking the ocean. Moonshadows has live jazz music and a chic lounge with a tiki-themed patio perched over the Pacific, world-class cuisine, and tropical cocktails.

 

Malibu Farm Restaurant focuses on farm-to-table American cuisine. They have an oceanfront deck with scenic views. For California cuisine, Geoffrey’s has terrace seating, romantic fire pits, and panoramic views. It’s one of the best choices for date nights. For dining, day-drinking, and sunbathing on the sand, Paradise Cove Beach Café has tropical drinks, a raw bar, and light bites.

 

Things to Do

Temescal Canyon Park has a network of hiking trails and several viewpoints that look out to the Pacific Ocean. Will Rogers State Historic Park has picnic areas, a polo field, and horseback riding.

 

Palisades Recreation Center has a busy year-round calendar with sports leagues and community events, including the 4th of July Parade and 5K run. On Sundays, the Pacific Palisades Farmers’ Market offers local produce, artisanal vendors, and nurseries selling plants, orchids, and flowers.

 

In Malibu, Point Dume State Beach has sandy beaches and small rocky coves perfect for exploring. You’ll always find surfers riding the waves here, especially in the mornings. Or you can join the crowds at Zuma Beach, a postcard-perfect California landmark.

 

Schools

The Los Angeles Unified School District and Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District serve Pacific Palisades and Malibu. The highly-rated schools here include:

 

• Palisades High School
• Palisades Elementary Charter School
• Marquez Charter School
• Malibu Elementary School
• Malibu High School
• Pepperdine University